Quotes from book
The Privilege of the Sword

The Privilege of the Sword

The Privilege of the Sword is a fantasy novel by American author Ellen Kushner. First published in 2006 by Bantam Spectra, the novel won the 2007 Locus Award and was nominated for both the Nebula Award for Best Novel and the Gaylactic Spectrum Award in 2007. Although part of a series, the book also serves as a stand-alone.


Ellen Kushner photo
Ellen Kushner photo

“In real life, my sweet poet,” the duke said as the swordsmen circled, “words can never be undone.”

Part I, Chapter IX (p. 99)
The Privilege of the Sword (2006)

Ellen Kushner photo
Ellen Kushner photo
Ellen Kushner photo
Ellen Kushner photo
Ellen Kushner photo
Ellen Kushner photo
Ellen Kushner photo
Ellen Kushner photo
Ellen Kushner photo
Ellen Kushner photo
Ellen Kushner photo
Ellen Kushner photo

“He felt the almost sexual thrill of being the one in the room with all the power.”

Part IV, Chapter VI (p. 405)
The Privilege of the Sword (2006)

Ellen Kushner photo

“Abjuring love? Real people don’t do that. Now you’re the one who sounds like someone on a stage. That’s not the real world. Real people follow their hearts, wherever it takes them. Real people refuse to be put into a little tiny box. You can say you love me or you don’t love me, it doesn’t matter; I know you have foresworn nothing except an existence you found intolerable.”

She really did smile this time. “Now you’re making me sound like a heroine. Be honest, Lucius. For all that you go on about the real world with its real people, you don’t really want to live in it, either.”
Part III, Chapter VIII (p. 299)
The Privilege of the Sword (2006)

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